Christmas Codes?

[Gator Kate]

Howdy Folks,
When do AP or FL resident rates come out for late Dec.? We're thinking maybe 12/26-30 ballpark. Actually called today and was told GF is full already. Probably too high for us but soooo....... pretty at the holidays. Our other idea was BW which is available at rack rate. No thanks. We've only stayed at GF once and never BW. Our fav is YC but we thought variety would be fun. Any opinions on which one to choose (provided GF opens up)? TIA.

 

[LindyN]

In all my years of holding an AP I have never, ever seen a discount during the peak Christmas season. I'm a TA and the GF has been full most of December since about August. Your best chance at a discounted room would be after January 1. Although we never say "never" with Disney, I'd reckon that an AP discount is pretty unlikely during this time period (Disney will not discount something if they can sell it for full price). Between Christmas and Jan 1 the resorts are usually sold out with parks filled to capacity by 10am. Restaurants are sold out too. I did one Christmas trip, and will never do another, and I've gone over to the MK a couple of days after Christmas only to not see any pavement due to the sea of bodies. (We turned around and went to Epcot). It was like July 4th--but at least not 95 degrees.
The holiday decorations are still up through the first week of January, and Value Season starts on January 1. You might want to look for the AP rates for check ins after January 1.

JMO. Linda N

 

[n2mm]

Sorry to say, but the next round of AP discounts to come out will most likely be for Jan/Feb. Holidays are blacked out as there has to be a need to offer discounts -- to fill rooms. WDW has no problem filling rooms during the holidays. The week before and after EAster Sunday were blacked out this year too. The only way to get around it sometimes is to book a room on the last day of the current promotion to get the discount, but room availability is not always there. I'm guessing the next AP room only discount will be from Jan. 3 to Feb. 14. AFter that the seasons goes from value season to PEAK season and it kicks off during President's weekend.

 

[Seahunt]

FL Res rates are already out for the end of the year (including Xmas)BUT you have to check in on/before 12/23/06 - for example, you would have to check in on or before 12/23 to get FL Res rates throughout your stay to 12/30. Per mousesavers.com:

Florida Resident Resort Hotel Discount Codes
Florida resident discounts are currently available for check-ins for selected dates through 12/23/06.

Discounts below are reductions on rack rates (full price room rates):

Travel (check in) dates: 10/1/06-12/23/06. Discounts vary by season: they are approximately $20 per night off Value resorts, $40 per night off Moderate resorts and $71-$80 per night off Deluxe and DVC resorts. Book by 12/23/06. Use code FBY.
*******************
When I checked online for FL Res room only specials,
Pricing for 7 nights 12/23 - 12/30 shows as:
Disney's BoardWalk Inn $1,929.48†
Arriving on 12/23/06 for 7 nights
Adults: 2
Room Type: Standard View Room
Park Tickets: None
Package Type: Room Only
Special Rate Type: Florida Residents Room
Per Night Room Price $245.00
Room Total $1,715.00
Tax $214.48
Grand Total $1,929.48

You can see this is much better than the standard booking quote!:
Disney's BoardWalk Inn $3,740.66†
Arriving on 12/23/06 for 7 nights
Adults: 2
Room Type: Standard View Room
Park Tickets: None
Package Type: Room Only

Of course you wouldn't have to stay 7 nights - I just used the 12/30 date since that's the one you posted.

I know it's hard around the holidays but if you could check in on the 23rd instead, you could save major $$$ with the FL Res offer!

 

[Gator Kate]

Thank you all so much for your detailed replies! We can't check-in before 12/26 so we won't catch the current discounts that are up to the 23rd. The rack rates seem much higher this year. I know they always go up but $475 a night for YC and BW seems over the top. I know it is for us. So unless any deals open up I doubt we'll be staying deluxe. Our alternative has always been the Swan/Dolphin for slightly better rates and that may be where we end up. Will let you know if I find any bargains. Hey, a girl can hope .

 

[candleonwater]

I'm recovering from the heart failure I had when they quoted me the rate for my New Years stay. $475! Staying at the Boardwalk.

I know this is the busiest time of year (although I also say it might rival Easter), but it works best for me. Easiest time to get away. We hit the park EARLY, ride whatever we want then get out and go back to the hotel. Sometimes we hit the parks later in the evening, sometimes not. Hopefully I can find enough to do at the Boardwalk!